[Valgisation tibial head alignment osteotomy--results of a comparative follow-up of Coventry interligament tibial head osteotomy and Wagner oblique osteotomy].

In the follow-up study presented the results of 33 high tibia-osteotomies (Coventry) are compared with 51 oblique lower tibia-osteotomies (Wagner). Both techniques guarantee a safe improvement of function, pain relief, and biomechanic situation of the arthrotic joint. The results are mainly independent of the grade of joint involvement and the age of the patient. The Coventry-osteotomy tends to accentuate femoropatellar arthrotic destruction, while the Wagner-osteotomy does so in 20% fewer cases. The functional improvements of the Wagner-osteotomy are more than 20% better, up to 5 years postoperatively, when compared with the high tibia-osteotomy. Indication, technical performance of the operation, and the postoperative care are discussed in the light of the results presented.